iOS 7.1 Release Date Tipped For March

iOS 7.1, the first major update since the seventh edition of Apple’s mobile firmware first landed in September, has already clocked up five betas, and although we haven’t really heard anything indicative of the eventual release date, it is widely assumed the that the GM and subsequent end-user roll-out isn’t too far off. Now, though, 9to5Mac has come through with something a bit more concrete, citing “reliable sources” in claiming that iOS 7.1 will drop next month.

The tipster is also said to have noted that there are to be no hidden or secret new features forthcoming, and that what we’ve seen so far through the betas is pretty much what we’re going to be getting once the cycle is complete.

We already know that iOS in the Car is going to be a big part of iOS 7.1, with app developer Steve Troughton-Smith having carried out some extensive research over the past few weeks and walked us through a few details. There seems to be a great deal of support from production car manufacturers for iOS in the Car , and although it remains to be seen whether the improvements to the likes of Apple Maps and Siri will pay dividends for the upcoming implementation, it will certainly be the flagship feature of iOS 7.1.

The update will also include some rudimentary tweaks and alterations to the UI, although as per the betas hitherto, we’re going to be seeing a few minor-touch ups rather than any radical changes.

As ever, there will be the usual spate of bug fixes and performance enhancements, making for a smoother and more secure overall experience. After all, it was only yesterday that details emerged of a flaw in iOS 7 allowing Find My iPhone to be switched off without a password, but since this appears to have been subsequently cleared up through the iOS 7.1 beta stream, it’s almost certain that said issue will be no more once the firmware is ready for prime time use.

It’s always nice to hope for a little surprise feature or two, but unfortunately, this likely won’t be the case for iOS 7.1. Nevertheless, it looks to be a matter of weeks away now, and as soon as it’s made available, we’ll have the details right here; so stay tuned!